Section 194B: TDS On Winning Lottery, Card And Online Games, Quiz Shows, Puzzles And Dance Competitions

Income Tax

Under Section 194B of the Income Tax Act, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will be deducted if income is earned from winning lotteries, crossword puzzles, card games, quiz shows, online gaming or dance competitions. However, the winnings from such games must exceed Rs. 10,000. 

If you have won a game, competition or a lottery, here’s what you must know about Section 194B – provisions of Section 194B, who deducts TDS, how to calculate the TDS amount and the penalty for not paying TDS. Read on!

Provisions of Section 194B of the Income Tax Act

As per Section 194B, a person responsible for paying winnings of lotteries, crossword puzzles and other similar games must deduct income tax before making the payment. This is applicable only when the winnings exceed Rs. 10,000.

Currently, a flat TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) of 30% is applicable on winnings over this limit. The total income tax charged becomes 31.2% after factoring in surcharge and cess. The company or organisation distributing prize money is responsible for deducting TDS.

There can be cases where the winnings are fully in kind or partly in kind and cash. If the cash balance is not sufficient to deduct TDS, the payer is responsible for withholding winnings till the payee pays him the equivalent amount in cash. Alternatively, the payee can pay applicable TDS and submit proof of payment to the payer. 

Who Deducts TDS under Section 194B of the Income Tax Act?

The person paying the prize money to a person winning by means of a lottery, crossword puzzle, game shows, dance competitions, etc. is eligible to deduct TDS if the amount exceeds Rs. 10,000.

Applicability of Section 194B of the Income Tax Act

Persons paying winnings of lotteries, TV shows, and online games must collect the TDS amount at the time of payment and deposit it to the government. Given is a list of sources for which a flat tax rate of 31.2% is applicable:

• Lottery (online and offline)
• Crossword puzzles
• Race betting
• Card games 
• Gambling (online and offline)
• TV shows, including game shows, quiz shows, singing competitions etc.
• Fantasy sports

If you have received a gift in kind, such as a flat or a car, you have to pay a 31.2% TDS before taking possession of the gift. However, in some cases, a company distributing such gifts may choose to take the TDS liability. 

How To CalculateTDS Deduction under Section 194B? 

Income from game shows and lotteries is counted separately from the rest of your income for taxation purposes. Winnings from such sources fall under the head ‘Income from other sources. 

Let’s say Mr. Yadav, has won Rs. 4,00,000 from a game show. His taxable income from salary is Rs. 7,00,000 after factoring in all tax deductions. TDS on his winnings will be Rs. 1,24,800 (31.2% of Rs. 4,00,000) while tax liability on the rest of his earnings will be as per the applicable tax slab rates.

Penalty for Not Paying TDS under Section 194B

If a person fails to make TDS payments under Section 194B he/she is punishable with imprisonment which will be a minimum of 3 months and can extend up to seven years along with fine.

Things to Note about TDS under Section 194B

• The full 31.2% TDS is applicable regardless of a taxpayer’s tax bracket.
• No income tax deductions can be claimed to reduce winnings from lottery or crossword puzzles.
• When you get a prize in both cash and kind, TDS is deducted from the cash winnings.
• If you receive the prize money in instalments, a TDS deduction will take place when the payer pays such instalments. 
• Winnings from online games are also included in this section.
• Participants and players in these games will need to provide their PAN and bank account details to the company holding such events. 
• You cannot claim refunds against TDS payment u/s 19B. 

Also Read: 5 Other Sources of Income You Must Pay Tax On: How To File ITR, Deductions And Exemptions

Final Word

Section 194B of the Income Tax Act stipulates that any winnings above Rs. 10,000 from sources discussed above are subject to 30% TDS. After cess and surcharge, the effective rate becomes 31.2%. In case such earnings are not in cash, you will have to pay the TDS before you can receive your winnings. 

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.